I've been on the quest to find the best pizza in Birmingham. So far, I haven't found it. The search has become difficult, like I'm trying to find the Holy Grail. I concluded that the pizza in Birmingham, overall, must suck. There is no Pizzeria Uno to raise the bar for competition. Like most people in Birmingham, I prefer the independents over the chains, but in this case, I'm close to declaring Papa John's the winner. Sad, yes.

New York Pizza - This is an average pizza, sometimes above average. They have a few good specialty pizzas like the Southampton. Toppings for a large are too expensive to order more than a few, because a lot of their toppings are "doubles". So, theoretically, with about 5 or 6 toppings you can have yourself a large $40 pizza.

DaVinci's - They put their toppings under the cheese. Instead of calling them toppings, I'd call them "soggy hidden surprises", aka SHS. Still, you get the best bang for your buck at DaVinci's. Their pizzas are loaded with SHS and cheese. After one or two pieces, I'm full.

Salvatore's - This place smells like a cornucopia of delicious, hot Italian food. Everything on the menu is good. Pizza is above average especially when right out of the oven. However, don't save any for leftovers. The cheese becomes hard and rubbery, and consistency doesn't change when reheated.

Rocky's - Located in the university area, that should have been the warning for me to stay away. Worst pizza in B'ham, hands down. Canned sauce, tasteless crust, and no cheese or toppings on the outside 6" of the pizza.

Baker's Famous - I've given them one chance. They put this garlic sauce on their pizza (you can omit it by request), which made the pizza taste, um, not so good.

Davenports - Really good, thin crust pizza, but rather expensive for what you get. Profit margins must be around 500,000%.

Dave's - I've tried Dave's several times and just can't get into it. Some pizzas are better than others.

Cosmo's - The problem I have with Cosmos is getting accosted by a few shady characters after spending half an hour looking for a parking spot. Scratch. (Speaking of this, I'm wondering why there are any businesses in Southside left? Since the police have all but abandoned the area?)

Tortugas, Bettola - Haven't tried either yet. Tortugas due to distance. I am pretty sure Bettola is going to be very good, but being a gourmet restaurant they aren't the traditional pizzeria where you choose your pie size and toppings.

Papa Johns, Dominos, Pizza Hut, Little Ceasars - Papa John's is the best of the chain deliveries. I do think it's better to spend $10 on mediocrity than $20.

Freschetta, Tombstone - I can do a pretty good job with a frozen grocery store cheese pizza by adding my own toppings and seasonings. Some of my creations have been very good.